Mormon 9

Verses 1-6: A Warning to Unbelievers
What does this teach me about the atonement?
This teaches me that the atonement has the power to turn a lone man with every reason to dissolve in self-pity into a man fueled by conviction, burning with a sense of purpose and bursting with love. Moroni cares enough to craft words of the deepest urgency intended for people he'll never meet in his earthly life. He clearly knows that the atonement makes all the difference for everyone. That, on the wrong side of it, you are miserable and "racked with guilt," but turning to Him, crying to the Father in His name, and giving Him your heart can cleanse you. Why is this? Because good has to win. Ultimately, in the hands of our all-powerful Creator, evil, hatred and self-deception will be contained and dispelled, and power goes to the obedient, the joyful, the creative and the loving. It's THE WAY to maximize happiness and perpetuate beauty. You only need to be willing to play for the right team.

Lesson for me today?
*Keep reaching higher and choosing to believe.

Verses 7-25: A God of Miracles
I found this section challenging to process, and the following definition of miracles from the Bible Dictionary helpful:
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/miracles?lang=eng&letter=m

Moroni's discussion of miracles here debunks the myth perpetuated among Christian churches and others today that God no longer allows miracles to happen among us- that for some reason the time for miracles is past. The gist of his argument is that creation itself was a miracle, that the Savior is known to have performed miracles, as well as His disciples, and so if God is still God, miracles continue to happen IF people have the faith. And really (as I understand verse 16), with our limited understanding, how can we even codify the great works of God to say that this or that is or isn't a "miracle"?

What does this teach me about the atonement?
Moroni speaks here of the miraculous creation of humankind, the fall, and hence the need for a Savior's redemption.
According to the Bible Dictionary entry which defines miracles as "manifestations of divine or spiritual power", the atonement itself was a miracle, as is the enabling power it activates in our lives.
From Elder David A. Bednar, October 2004:
"In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote a strengthening or enabling power:
“The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
“… It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (p. 697).
Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real."

Once again, though not mentioned by name, the atonement is central to this section, which could not stand without it.

Lesson for you and me today?
*We can take a lesson from verse 20, how people fail today, by undertaking to do its opposite: as you and I believe in Christ, remain in the right way, and do our best to know and trust God, the very narrative of my life and yours will become a story of miracles- a story far grander and lovelier than we would ever have set in motion if we'd shut out divine influence.

Verses 26-29: The Antidote
Here Moroni details for us excellent strategies for keeping miracles in our lives and the world.
What does this teach me about the atonement?
When I read this section with the atonement in mind, I feel to draw a contrast through a metaphor. Let's imagine that the atonement is a Search and Rescue boat of which the Savior is the captain and you are drowning. I think many people imagine that the Savior is there to pluck you out of the water and drop you benevolently on the dry land, when in reality His aim is to invite you aboard and make you part of the crew!
Moroni's counsel in these few verses involves real work! The work of a lifetime, and worth it. We learn through experience that the atonement is less a grant than an offer of apprenticeship. Moroni promises that if we do these things we won't be "cast out" of the boat.




Lesson for you and me today?
*Here's another great Book of Mormon "Spiritual Fitness Test" that we can refer to often and measure ourselves against: "Come unto the Lord with all your heart," "be wise," "yield to no temptation," and "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him". In short, keep trying to be better.

Verses 30-37: Authors' Note
Here's a brief aside about the author(s), the language and process.

What does this teach me about the atonement?
Moroni expresses full confidence that the Lord will provide means for interpreting the lost and obscure language he writes in. This makes a case for the enabling power of the atonement, quickening every means of furthering its saving mission-miracles employed for our salvation. He also acknowledges his weakness, reminding us that the atonement makes weak things strong and brings about great things through small and simple means (like a lonely man scratching on metal plates).

Lesson for me today?
*Heavenly Father has a plan for you, just as he had a plan for bringing the Book of Mormon forth! Remember the miracles in your life story that have taken place as you've trusted the Lord. There is no need to be angry at circumstances. As you keep reaching higher, you can expect things to eventually work out for the best. Just hold on. Though Moroni's situation may not appear ideal, from an eternal perspective he's in good shape.